Mark Your Calendars: STL's Circus Flora

Did you know that Saint Louis has its very own resident circus? If you've never attended Circus Flora downtown during the summer, you're missing out on one of the best gems our city has to offer. Founded in 1985, various versions of Circus Flora have toured the nation, but now this fantastic one-ring circus calls Saint Louis its home. The Big Top pops up every May/June just behind Powell Symphony Hall, so it's easily accessible in the city. From aerial acts to animal antics, Circus Flora is something I look forward to every year. I think I have been to at least 12 summers, which is almost half as many years as I've been alive! If that doesn't speak to you about how much I adore and respect this company and its productions, I don't know what will!

On Sunday, I attended One Summer on Second Street with my family. It was my way to take my dad out for Father's Day and to enjoy one of my mom's favorite summer activities with her. The show was full of fabulous acts - from an incredible trapeze pas de deux, to the first trained cats I've ever seen! Trained kitties were prominent in circus history, but you so rarely see them nowadays! One of the reasons Circus Flora is a step above just any old circus is that they go out of their way to bring in world-class acts into town each summer.  As long as you don't use a flash, you are encouraged to photograph, tweet, text, and share as many pictures as you'd like during the show, so you know I was chattering away on social media. Check out the hashtag #circusflora to discover more!

Circus Flora has one performance tonight at 7pm, and two performances daily through Sunday. 
You may find their schedule here in order to buy tickets: http://circusflora.org/events/.

A big thank you to my pal Scott for inviting me out to see the show and sneaking me into the Members' tent during intermission. You rock!